Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Fed with Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) Seed Meal

The effect of varied levels of inclusion of Garcinia kola seed meal in diets on growth performance and haematological parameters was investigated in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Fish were fed diet supplemented at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg(-1) inclusion levels of Garcinia kola seed meal for eight weeks. Fish feed supplemented with Garcinia kola meal showed significantly improved growth performance and feed utilization over the control (0 kg(-1) Garcinia kola seed meal) treatment. The highest specific growth rate (1.34 +/- 0.02% day(-1)) and best feed conversion ratio (16.28 +/- 0.05) were obtained in 100 g kg(-1) inclusion level of Garcinia kola seed. Protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion efficiency were also higher in fish fed with Garcinia kola seed meal and lowest in the control. Generally growth decreased beyond 100 g kg(-1) level of inclusion. Protein and lipid content increased (p<0.05) in fish supplemented with seed meal. Also there was an improvement in blood parameters (WBC, HGB, RBC, and PCV) in fish fed with Garcinia seed meal compared to the control. The result suggests that dietary supplementation with Garcinia kola seed meal improved growth rate and feed utilization was the best at 100 g kg(-1) for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.